Who could it be to avoid my ranting and raving? Is he a top 10 guy who is a can’t miss player who can carry a team into the championship on his broad shoulders? A CY Young lock who will not be outmatched any time he takes the mound? Is he a Triple Crown 5 tool-batting champ with MVP aspirations?

How about a pitcher who had an ERA over 5, to go along with his worst K/9 rate of his career playing for a team that is not slated to be a contender? A starter whose whip is close to 1.5 and his walk/9 rate was also the highest of his young career? Is this some flash in the pan pitcher who has barely racked up any innings, and maybe is just finding out his pitching style?

No, it is a starter who has already had tommy john surgery, will be 29 in October and has been rumored to be on the trading block, but has not had much interest due to his roller coaster 2011 season. It is one of my favorite players, maddening most of the time, but I will continue to own him at any cost, including dealing David Ortiz for him in the Fantasy Gameday readers versus writers league, Mr. Francisco Liriano.

Francisco Liriano agreed to a 5.5 million dollar deal earlier this month, avoiding arbitration and guaranteeing that he at least start his season with the Twins. He has started playing winter ball to hopefully be up to speed when the regular season starts. If you check any message board or player page, the angst and unbridled rage of fantasy players worldwide has vented numerous times over Liriano’s season last year.

Players such as Liriano are well worth drafting a round or two higher instead of taking boring players that you “know” are going to be low risk, lower reward options. There is no risk in drafting Francisco Liriano this year. Worst case scenario, he stinks up the joint like he did last year (minus his perfect game) and you cut him and grab a mid-level replacement on the waiver wire.

What if he starts out quick and you can get a great package back for him from a Twins fan or someone who has a man crush on him like myself? Even after a quick start, you could keep Liriano as he adds another 10 wins and racks up the strikeouts.

My dream scenario is that he gets dealt to the N.L. before the deadline, to a pitchers park where he can own the lesser talented National League hitters. If you look at his career, it seems like he is an “every other year” type of pitcher, and here are the stats to back up why this is the year to grab him like he’s hot.

Since 2009 here is Liriano’s line, the pre Tommy John hall of fame potential seasons including the 2006 campaign have been excluded:

You notice that the 2012 season has an asterisk next to it, and obviously that is my humble projection. As I can feel your scoff while reading these last few lines, and can even hear you say, “Surely he can’t be serious.” I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.